Trump Deploys National Guard Amid Escalating Protests Over Immigration Raids in LA and Across US

President Donald Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard members and US Marines to Los Angeles, triggering a fierce dispute with California state officials, as widespread protests erupt following intensified immigration raids. Hundreds have been arrested in LA, where an overnight curfew is now in force after clashes in the downtown area, though much of the protest activity elsewhere has remained peaceful.

The demonstrations, which began last Friday, were sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting areas with significant Latino populations. These raids have escalated since Trump’s return to the White House, aligning with his pledge to crack down on unauthorized immigration. Reports indicate dozens of arrests in single operations, including at a job site in Paramount and across the greater LA area.

Downtown LA has been a major flashpoint, declared an “unlawful assembly” zone with reports of looting, arson, and road blockages. The Federal Building, believed to be holding ICE detainees, has also seen significant confrontation. Protests have not been limited to California, spreading to other major US cities like New York, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., with numerous arrests reported.

Trump’s decision to deploy federal troops without the request of the state governor, invoking a rarely used federal law, has drawn strong condemnation from California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. They argue that local law enforcement is capable of handling the situation and that the deployment risks further inflaming tensions. The National Guard and Marines are tasked with protecting federal agents, not conducting raids or regular policing duties, which remain the responsibility of local police.

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